DIY: China Glaze Ombré Nail Kits

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DIY manicures just got significantly more affordable and fun. Create an “ombré” effect on your nails with China Glaze Ombré Nail Kits.

Each kit features four China Glaze nail polishes, with great colors that can also be used on their own:

Sweet Sensations (Pink)

Includes: Angel’s Breath, Something Sweet, Dance Baby and Make An Entrance

Wait Teal You See (Teal)

Includes: White on White, For Audrey, Aquadelic and Turned Up Turquoise

Grape Expectation (Purple)

Includes: Sweet Hook, Spontaneous, Grape Pop and Crimson

Also included in the kit are 10 sponges and detailed instructions to create the ombré effect. Focus the fade on all of your nails or wear one color on each nail. Fade from darkest to lightest or accent with one nail designed with the ombré tip – the options are endless.

Exclusively sold at Sally Beauty Supply, each kit retails for $12.99. China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, added formaldehyde and never tested on animals.

 

Colorblocking: Eyes/Lips

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Layering bright eye shadows, liners and lipsticks can result in a fun makeup look that’s right on trend for the season. Just like colorblocking clothes, there are a myriad of possibilities one can create with makeup as well.

There’s a much-heralded rule in beauty that if you do a bold eye, the rest of your makeup should be neutral. With colorblocking, this rule does not necessarily apply. The bright colors will play off each other and make your features pop.

Throw all traditional “rules” out the window and be creative. A lot of these looks are used in editorial or runway features, to make it wearable stick to only two areas of the face, i.e. eyes/lips, cheeks/lips. Tone down the colors and heavy-handed application for a sheer wash of color. This will create a more modern and everyday look.

To The Max: Pleated Maxi Skirts

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Add a bit of spring to your wardrobe… and step with a brightly-colored pleated maxi skirt. These pieces are popping up everywhere and are available in the most beautiful colors.

Wear these vibrant spring colors now by coordinating with bulky sweaters and cardigans. When the weather permits – transition effortlessly into spring with a simple tee or tank, sandal or espadrille. Wear a statement piece – necklace/earrings/bag/shoe – that plays with color scheme. Example – turquoise and red, royal blue and yellow, purple and lilac… 

The shape of these skirts can often camoflauge the waistline, to avoid this, wear a belt or find a maxi skirt with a different color waist band (yellow skirt pictured).

Topshop ~ Pleated Maxi Skirt: $40.00

Piperlime ~ Hive & Honey Pleat Maxi Skirt: $59.00

Bloomingdales ~ Alice + Olivia – Shannon Pleated Maxi Skirt: $396.00

Shopbop ~ Tibi Maxi Pleated Skirt: $330.00

Forever 21 ~ Pleated Maxi Skirt: $24.80

Holy Grail Product: Giorgio Armani Master Corrector

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Giorgio Armani Master Corrector

Taming dark under-eye circles can be tricky –  it is a combination of heredity and genetics. The skin below the eyes is very thin and delicate. Veining and excess pigmentation in the skin appears more prominently, and darkness manifests. The easiest way to conceal this problem is to correct.

The Master Corrector by Giorgio Armani is a corrective concealer designed for specific complexion concerns. It is available in two color-balancing shades specific to under-eye area; #1 Pink (refreshes dull skin and diminishes yellow pigmentation) and #2 Orange (neutralizes any blue, purple and brown tones as well as freckles, dark spots and hyper-pigmentation).

The Master Corrector in #2 Orange effectively neutralizes all under-eye discoloration. The color is not a true orange, more of a beige/peach/salmon color. It blends seamlessly and the staying power of this corrector is exceptional. This shade will work on any skin-tone, and can be applied under concealer for additional coverage.

Banish dark circles easily and effectively with Giorgio Armani Master Corrector.

How To: Bright Eyeliner

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Bright eyeliner is a dramatic accent with minimal effort. A pop of color can “glam up” a makeup look instantly.

With this look, you want to tone down all other parts of the face. However, if daring enough, my favorite party season look is cobalt blue eyeliner paired with a fuchsia lip. Create your favorite combination with these easy steps.

Needed:

✒ Eye primer (Favorite: MAC Paint Pots)

✒ Matte White Eye Pencil (Favorite: NYX Milk)

✒ Bright Eye Liner (Favorite: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencils)

✒ Matching Bright Eye Shadow Shade

✒ Mascara

How To:

✒ Prime the lids and under-eye with eye primer.

✒ With a matte white pencil, draw a baseline where the bright color will go. (this will inhance the vibrancy of the color and help with the shape of the line)

✒ Trace over the white pencil with the bright eye liner.

✒ For a more dramatic look, make the outside line a bit thicker than the inside and extend it just beyond the lash line.

✒ Optional: Apply the bright eye liner to the lower lashes, keeping as close to the lash line as possible.

✒ Dip the bright pencil into the matching eye shadow and trace over these lines to increase brightness and ensure longevity.

✒ Apply two heavy coats of mascara to add definition and emphasize the look.

This look can be altered depending on preference and eye shape. Experiment with color and thickness of the line. If intimidated: Start by lining the lower lash line with a bright color only and leave lid neutral. Bright eyeliner is a great way to change-up your makeup routine and attain instant drama.

Great color combinations:

BLUE: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Flipside & NARS Eyeshadow: Outremer

PURPLE: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Ransom & MAC Eyeshadow: Purple Haze

GREEN: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Mildew & Urban Decay Eyeshadow: Mildew

TURQUOISE: Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil: Electric & MAKEUP FOREVER Eyeshadow: 72

PINK: MAKEUP FOREVER Aqua Pencil: 13L & MAKEUP FOREVER Eyeshadow: 75